The Research and Advocacy Group (RAAG), a voluntary organization consisting of legal professionals, academicians, media persons, and scholars, organized an in-depth seminar on “POJK: Parliament’s Resolution & Legal Discourse” at the Lawyers’ Chamber, J&K High Court Complex, Jammu, bringing together eminent legal minds and strategic experts to discuss India’s rightful claim over Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (POJK).
The event featured Dr. (Captain) Alok Bansal, Executive Director of India Foundation, along with Senior Advocates Sunil Sethi and Upinder Krishen Jalali (U.K. Jalali), former Advocate General of J&K. The speakers delved into the constitutional, historical, and geopolitical aspects of POJK, aligning their arguments with India’s Parliamentary resolution on the issue.
The program commenced with a welcome address by Advocate Deepak Sharma, Convener of RAAG, who introduced the distinguished guests and set the tone for the discussion. The seminar aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of India’s legal and constitutional rights over POJK while highlighting Pakistan’s continued illegal occupation and its strategic consequences.
During the session, the speakers explored legal provisions, historical events, and strategic concerns related to the issue, stressing that India’s claim over POJK is not just a political stance but a constitutionally and legally backed assertion.
Senior Advocate and former Advocate General, U.K. Jalali, raised serious concerns over the Shimla Agreement, stating that India’s leadership made a critical error by returning strategic areas to Pakistan.
“It is unfortunate and against international law that Pakistan and its military continue to use POJK as a terror-launching pad against India”, Jalali remarked.
He revisited the 1971 Indo-Pak War and the subsequent creation of Bangladesh, asserting that better political negotiations at the time could have ensured the return of POJK to India. Jalali also criticized Pakistan’s military establishment for exploiting its own people, recalling how the same Pakistani military that oppressed Bangladeshis in 1971 now subjugates the people of POJK.
Senior Advocate Sunil Sethi provided a legal perspective, stating that the Parliamentary resolution on POJK is not just a document but India’s firm commitment to reclaiming its lost territories.
“India’s stance on POJK is legally and historically valid. The illegal occupation was not a result of any internal rebellion, but due to Pakistan’s external aggression,” Sethi emphasized.
He also pointed out that India’s claim extends beyond POJK to include regions of Jammu and Kashmir under Chinese control and areas illegally ceded by Pakistan to China.
Addressing the gathering, Captain Alok Bansal contrasted the democratic values of India with the dictatorial governance imposed by Pakistan in POJK.
“In Jammu and Kashmir, people enjoy freedom of speech and democracy. In contrast, Pakistan treats POJK residents as second-class citizens, denying them access to their own resources and fundamental rights,” Bansal stated.
He further highlighted how Pakistan exploits POJK’s natural resources for its military and government, leaving local residents deprived of their land’s wealth. Bansal also provided insights into POJK’s demographics, terrain, and administrative setup, painting a grim picture of Pakistan’s exploitative policies.
The seminar attracted legal professionals, scholars, media representatives, and civil society members, all of whom actively participated in the discussions. The interactive session allowed attendees to engage with the experts, seeking clarity on various legal and strategic dimensions of the issue.
The program was coordinated by Advocate Prem Sadotra, while the formal vote of thanks was delivered by Advocate Arvind Khajuria, who expressed gratitude to the speakers and participants. He reaffirmed RAAG’s dedication to legal research and advocacy on national issues, emphasizing that such discussions play a crucial role in shaping public understanding of India’s territorial integrity.
The seminar concluded with a Question & Answer session, followed by high tea, leaving attendees with deeper insights into the legal and strategic imperatives of India’s rightful claim over POJK.
The prominent lawyers who attended the event include Jammu Bar Association team including Baldev Singh Vice President, Pardeep Majotra Secretary, Anshu Mahajan Joint Secretary, Rahul Aggarwal Tresurer and Amandeep Sharma, president Young Lawyers Association and his team. Other prominent advocates who were present include Raghu Mehta Sr. Advocate,Adv. Vishal Sharma DSGI, Sr.Adv Vikram Sharma, Adv. Ranjeet Singh jamwal, Adv. Sudarshan Sharma , Adv. Subodh Jamwal, Adv. Vandana Sharma, Adv. Ayush Sharma, Adv. Harshwardhan, Adv. Ashwani Khajuria, Adv.Rakesh Sharma, Adv. Dewakar Sharma, Adv. Hunar Gupta, Adv. MP Singh Palli,Adv. Rajnish Raina, Adv. Deepali Arora, Adv. Sarfaraz Rather, Adv. Rajesh Thappa, Adv.Pawan Kundal, Adv. So ia Manhas, Adv. Madhvi Sambyal. Adv. Karan Prashar, Adv. Pawan Choudhry, Adv. Sanjeev Kohli, Adv. Saket Rathore, Adv. Aditya Raina,Adv. Chetan Prabhakar, Adv. Gaurav Jamwal Adv. Divyashan and others.
